Jurors in the trial of Roderick Sutherland have been presented with detailed information regarding the tragic death of Megan Gallagher five years ago in a garage in Saskatoon. They are set to deliberate privately later this week to determine the level of Sutherland’s involvement in the events leading to Gallagher’s death on September 20, 2020.
Sutherland has pleaded not guilty to charges of manslaughter, unlawful confinement, and offering an indignity to human remains. The trial, held at Saskatoon Court of King’s Bench, commenced on October 6. During the proceedings, Crown prosecutor Bill Burge and defense attorney Blaine Beaven delivered their closing arguments to the jury.
Burge emphasized that evidence suggested Sutherland played a significant role throughout the events, even if he did not directly cause Gallagher’s death. He stressed that one could be culpable without being directly responsible for the final outcome. In contrast, Beaven cautioned the jurors against making moral judgments, asserting that Sutherland had limited control over the situation that unfolded in his garage.
The closing arguments focused on Sutherland’s police interview in July 2021 and the testimony of Robert (Bobby) Thomas, who did not testify during the trial. Burge urged the jury to carefully consider an agreed statement of facts presented as evidence, which outlined a timeline of events in the garage and indicated Sutherland’s involvement in Gallagher’s unlawful confinement.
According to Sutherland’s police interview, individuals including Cheyann Peeteetuce, Summer-Sky Henry, and Thomas had sought Sutherland’s garage to interrogate Gallagher. Burge disputed Sutherland’s account of leaving and later returning to find Gallagher tied to a chair, asserting inconsistencies in his narrative. He argued that Thomas’ testimony indicated Sutherland actively participated in Gallagher’s demise.
Thomas testified that Sutherland had confessed to assaulting Gallagher with “knuckledusters” and had expressed loyalty to Thomas by stating, “I got her for you, my brother. I got your back.” Beaven, however, cast doubt on Thomas’ credibility, citing his history of lying to authorities and suggesting a motive for revenge against Sutherland.
Beaven emphasized the chaotic nature of the situation, attributing it to drug use and lack of planning among those involved. He urged the jurors not to base their decision on personal beliefs about Sutherland’s lifestyle or associations. The trial is now awaiting instructions from Justice John Morrall, scheduled for Thursday morning.